Fort Worth voters will head to the polls on Nov. 3 to decide who will represent much of the city in the U.S. House. Incumbent Republican Rep. Craig Goldman, 58, is seeking a second term in Texas’ Congressional District 12. A former Texas House member, Goldman succeeded longtime Rep. Kay Granger in 2024, winning 63.5% of the vote.
Goldman’s Record and Priorities
Goldman points to the passage of an energy‑efficiency bill as a signature achievement of his first term. The legislation repealed the Biden administration’s conservation standards for commercial refrigerators and freezers, a move he says restores common‑sense, market‑driven regulation.
“It all starts with relationships and friendships,” Goldman told the Fort Worth Report. “Then we provide good legislation that makes common sense, good conservative legislation.” He also serves on the powerful House Energy & Commerce Committee, where he works to protect Texas’ energy interests.
Campaign Issues
Democrat Angela “Heli” Rodriguez Prilliman, 39, is challenging Goldman on federal universal healthcare, universal childcare, and data‑center development. Prilliman says she will fund her proposals with a modest tax on the wealthiest Americans, estimating a two‑to‑five‑percent levy.
Goldman counters that expanding federal programs would increase waste, fraud and abuse, especially in Medicaid. He cites the Trump administration’s tax legislation – dubbed the “One Big Beautiful Bill” – which made permanent a raft of tax cuts, extended deductions for tip and overtime income through 2028, and reduced spending on programs like Medicaid.
Trump’s Endorsement and Immigration Stance
President Trump continues to back Republican immigration enforcement, and Goldman lauds the President for curbing illegal immigration at the southern border, a policy the former administration had allowed to slip.
“We’ve stopped the flow of illegal immigrants,” Goldman said, adding that past bipartisan attempts at worker‑visa reforms never succeeded.
Economic Outlook and Defense Spending
Goldman notes Texas’ record oil and gas production last month, despite nationally high gasoline prices. He also supports the Republican agenda to increase defense spending while trimming discretionary outlays, arguing that a strong national defense safeguards American liberty.
Polling and Voter Concerns
Goldman cautions against over‑reliance on polls, recalling 2016 forecasts that missed the election outcome. He emphasizes direct outreach, saying he attends town‑hall events whenever invited, despite a demanding Washington schedule.
Prilliman highlights the lack of affordable healthcare and childcare, especially in heavily red‑voting areas that still struggle with these services. She also raises environmental concerns over rapid data‑center growth, urging the rebuilding of agencies that were reduced under the Trump administration.
What Voters Need to Know
Early voting runs Oct. 19‑30, and voters can verify registration or find their polling place through the county’s election website. Both candidates will continue to campaign across Fort Worth and surrounding Parker County, where Goldman won 85% of the vote in 2024.
For more information on the race, see the Fort Worth Report’s nonpartisan voter guide.
Original reporting: Fort Worth Report — read the source article.
